Chapter 453: Chicken Feet

“Envoy, are you satisfied?” Zong Wen, wearing a floral shirt, sat beside Chen Ling and asked with a smile.

Chen Ling knew the old man wasn't asking about the restaurant's decor or the untouched dishes. The suggestive look in his eyes made it clear he was referring to the "appraisal" that had just occurred. Chen Ling couldn't be bothered to respond. Having found the painting, the remaining steps were insignificant. If he weren't still playing the role of the "Envoy," he would have left already.

Chen Ling took a sip of tea, remaining silent, as if he hadn't heard Zong Wen's question at all. Zong Wen's smile gradually faltered. Perhaps sensing the Envoy's displeasure, he glanced back at Liu Qingyan, as if questioning what was wrong, but she merely stood motionlessly by the door.

“Envoy, dining alone can be rather dull. I’ve also prepared some entertainment for you...”

“Entertainment?” Chen Ling squinted at Zong Wen, seemingly suspicious that the man was planning another trick.

But as Zong Wen clapped his hands softly and an orchestra took to the stage, Chen Ling felt a slight sense of relief. Fortunately, this time it truly was just "entertainment."

As the melodious music filled the air, the restaurant was instantly immersed in an elegant atmosphere. Only two exclusive dining tables, one for Chen Ling and one for Zong Wen, were set before the stage. Each table was adorned with decorative glass candles, their flames flickering like scattered stars on the silver cutlery. It had to be said, Zong Wen did possess a certain artistic flair, at least in perfectly orchestrating the ambiance.

“Envoy, these are top chefs I specifically brought in today from the finest restaurants in Hongchen Main City,” Zong Wen said with a smile. “And all these ingredients are freshly delivered, guaranteed to give you a premier culinary experience!” He clapped his hands. “Serve the Envoy!”

At Zong Wen’s command, the renowned chefs, who had been waiting, pushed their trolleys forward and began setting the tables for both men. A dish covered by a metal cloche was placed before Chen Ling.

“For the first course, we have steamed phoenix claws with purple-gold sauce. Please, Envoy, do taste it!”

*Clang!*

The metal cloche was lifted before Chen Ling, revealing several chicken feet.

Chen Ling’s gaze settled on the plate of chicken feet before him. As if he had discovered something, he picked up one that had been mostly gnawed, with only a trace of skin and meat clinging to the bone. His expression beneath the mask was subtly complex.

Seeing the chicken foot in Chen Ling’s hand, Zong Wen’s smile abruptly stiffened.

After a moment of silence, Chen Ling slowly spoke: “Your Huadu Consortium’s presentation... is certainly unique.”

Zong Wen’s forced smile began to crack. He glared intently at the chefs who had brought the dishes, as if he were about to devour them whole.

Seeing the “skinless chicken foot” in Chen Ling’s hand, the chefs were also dumbfounded. Realizing Zong Wen’s accusing gaze, their backs were instantly drenched in cold sweat as they stammered, “N-no... that shouldn’t be... no one in the kitchen would steal food...”

Zong Wen’s face flushed crimson with anger. In that instant, various thoughts flashed through his mind. Logically, these renowned chefs shouldn’t stoop to stealing a chicken foot. Could someone have been bribed by the Beidou Consortium, specifically to disrupt his relationship with the Envoy? What a vicious business tactic!

“Envoy, there must be some misunderstanding here...” Zong Wen explained, bracing himself.

*Boom!*

At that very moment, an earth-shattering explosion reverberated from outside, shaking the ground. The startled onlookers turned to see a dense cloud of black smoke rising in the distance. As Zong Wen stood in shock, a figure rushed in from outside.

“Chairman! Someone blew up the kitchen!”

“What? Blew up the kitchen??” Zong Wen froze.

Chen Ling: ...

Hearing this, Chen Ling’s expression beneath his mask became instantly complex. Although he didn’t know the exact details, he was certain this was the work of those three individuals. Yet, Chen Ling couldn’t for the life of him understand... why would those three blow up a kitchen?

“Were they caught?” Zong Wen snapped back to reality and immediately asked.

“No... When our men arrived, they found nothing. The culprits are most likely still on the estate,” the butler replied. “However, the bodyguards have been deployed and are thoroughly searching the area around the kitchen.”

“Damn it, you imbeciles! A bunch of failures!” Zong Wen’s neck turned red with fury. He didn’t know who was behind this, but he suspected they were aiming to disrupt the banquet.

At the same time, Chen Ling slowly rose to his feet, his low voice resonating: “It seems it’s time for this Envoy to depart.”

“Envoy! Please give me a little more time, this is just a minor incident, I assure you it will be resolved quickly...” Zong Wen immediately grew anxious, stepping directly in front of Chen Ling and pleading. Then, as if an idea struck him, he continued, “These people are most likely trying to disrupt our relationship with you, Envoy... Their intentions are truly malicious. With your strength, Envoy, I’m sure a small intervention...”

“Chairman Zong, I know what you’re thinking.” Chen Ling’s eyes beneath his mask were as deep as an abyss. “This Envoy will not get involved in the grudges between your Huadu Consortium and the Beidou Consortium. And don’t think of using this opportunity to drag me into it.”

With this single statement, Chen Ling subtly pinned the blame on Jian Changsheng and his associates as members of the "Beidou Consortium," effectively deflecting all responsibility, perfectly disassociating himself and the Twilight Society, and providing a convenient reason for his inaction.

Zong Wen was momentarily stunned. From Chen Ling’s words, he finally understood... Since the Envoy had said that, it meant the culprits were indeed sent by the Beidou Consortium! Zong Wen gritted his teeth, agonizing for a moment, then said, “I understand... In that case, please rest here for a moment, Envoy. I will resolve this matter quickly.”

He turned to leave, but suddenly, as if an idea had struck him, he walked over to the three bodyguards behind him: “You three, make sure to guard this floor meticulously. Absolutely no one is to disturb the Envoy, understand? You must attend to him well and keep him calm...”

“Understood!”

After giving his instructions, Zong Wen hurried away with the others.

Chen Ling sat alone at the dining table, glancing at the three high-ranking bodyguards left standing guard at the door. Despite the unexpected turn of events, things were steadily progressing in the general direction planned. The elegant orchestral music continued to play on stage. Chen Ling sat alone in the luxurious restaurant, gently swirling his wine glass and leisurely taking small sips.